The following FAQs are intended as a general guide
to water and sewer regulation in Prince Edward Island.

1.

What is the Commission's role regarding the regulation of
water/sewer utilities?

The
Commission has general supervision over all municipal water and
sewer utilities in the province with the exception of those
utilities operating in Charlottetown, Summerside, Stratford and
Cornwall.

Primarily,
the Commission:

determines water
and sewer rates;

considers
applications for construction or changes to central water/sewer
systems, particularly as to how proposed projects are expected to
impact on utility rates;

In order to change its rates, a utility must file an application
with the Commission. Following receipt of a rate application,
the Commission conducts a review and independent analysis of the
utility's filing. A notice of application is published allowing
ratepayers an opportunity to provide comments on a utility's
application before it is finalized.

The Commission's
decision on rate matters is presented in a written Order, and
includes a Tariff of Rates and Charges. Water/sewer Orders are
posted on the Commission's website. Click here to view Orders.

5.

Why do utilities' rates vary from community to community?

It's difficult to compare utility rates as each utility has
unique operating costs. Many variables affect rates. For
example, the era of when a utility was first constructed
impacts capital costs. A system installed in the 1970s cost
much less than one built in the 1990s. The amount of funding
towards projects affects these costs as well.

In
addition, certain systems are designed with greater
mechanical and technological components which results in
increased fuel and electricity costs. Some utilities also
require more manpower to operate, and the size of a system
and the number of customers sharing the costs also affect
the utility's rate amount.

6.

If I have a question or a problem with my water/sewer
service, what should I do?

We recommend that you get in touch with your utility
administrator regarding any questions or concerns. If you
are unable to reach someone, please get in touch with the
Commission.

Do
I have to pay for water/sewer service if I'm not connected
to a central system?

If
the service goes by your property and there is a building on
the land that has plumbing facilities on site (i.e.
kitchen/bathroom), then you are required to pay for the
service regardless of whether you are connected.

Certain effluents are not allowed to be discharged into
central treatment facilities as they can be harmful and
create an added burden on the treatment process.

For
example, storm water and surface water runoff, solvents,
items that can obstruct flow or interfere with pumping
facilities, toxic materials, certain chemicals and animal
wastes can be damaging to the system.

A
customer's service can be suspended if they are discharging
prohibited matter.

Where any plumbing fixtures in a building are situated below
street level or located where they could be affected by a
sewer backup from the central service line, customers are
encouraged to install a check valve. The valve is designed
to prevent the excess flow from entering into the building's
lines.

All costs for the valve, including
installation, are the customer's responsibility.

Utilities are responsible for reminding
customers each year of the need to install a check valve.

Upon notification, if a customer chooses not
to install a valve, any damages sustained in the event of a
backup are the customer's responsibility.

Can I still be billed for water/sewer service when I'm not
using the building year-round?

Yes. Utility charges are set in annual amounts. Temporarily-vacated properties,
seasonally-occupied premises and long-term vacancies
continue to be billed
for service.

There is a cost for having service in the ground and
available for use whether it's needed or not and having
available service adds value to a property. Utilities rely
on all serviced customers to share expenses.

I
would like to connect to an existing water/sewer service.
What should I do?

Contact your utility regarding an application to connect.
The customer is responsible for the costs to install the
service lateral from the building to the property line. The
utility pays for the lateral from the property line to the
central service main.

The utility may have a contractor that they
recommend or you may engage your own. Where an independent
contractor is used for the installation, the utility must
carry out a final inspection, for which they are able to
charge a $20.00 fee.